Tag: theme parks

Universal Studios Hollywood announces ‘Kung Fu Panda’ attraction, Hello Kitty store will open in 2018

June 5, 2017

DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood ((Rendering courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)
DreamWorks Theatre at Universal Studios Hollywood (Rendering courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)
Hello Kitty Store (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)
Hello Kitty Store (Photo courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood)

The following is a press release from Universal Studios Hollywood:

It’s an exciting time at Universal Studios Hollywood as the #1 tourist destination in Los Angeles introduces compelling new theme park attractions and noteworthy new Universal CityWalk establishments. Click here to see what’s new.

Below highlights what’s on the horizon in 2018 at Universal Studios Hollywood even as the Entertainment Capital of L.A. continues to unveil dynamic new opportunities for the remainder of 2017:

  • With DreamWorks Animation’s recent acquisition, Universal Studios Hollywood will soon roll out the red carpet for a unique, never before seen DreamWorks Theatre attraction. Opening in 2018, this newly designed venue will play host to a variety of action-packed DreamWorks Animation themed attractions beginning with the multi-sensory adventure inspired by the global blockbuster franchise Kung Fu Panda, and created in partnership with Universal Creative and DreamWorks’ Artists. This new technologically advanced attraction will take guests on a legendary journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art projection mapping and LED lighting effects for a highly engaging and immersive, unstoppable-awesome experience.

Meet the lovable DreamWorks characters that will join Universal Studios Hollywood beginning in summer 2017 to entertain guests and pose for memorable photos. Newly introduced characters will include: Kung Fu Panda’s Po and Tigress; Madagascar’s Alex the Lion, The Penguins—Skipper, Rico, Kowalski and Private, and King Julian; Trolls’ Poppy and Branch; Shrek’s Puss ‘n Boots will join existing characters Shrek and Fiona. These many new entertaining characters will join the vast array of Universal Studios Hollywood’s many other diverse walk-about characters.

  • Hello Kitty, the beloved global pop icon created by the Japanese company Sanrio, joins Universal Studios Hollywood in 2018. Hello Kitty and her signature red bow, along with more Sanrio friends including My Melody, Keroppi, and Chococat, will be featured on park-exclusive merchandise including accessories, apparel, collectibles, and confectionery. Highlights of the exclusive product offerings include designs incorporating classic Universal titles such as Jaws, ET, Back to the Future and more. Hello Kitty herself will also appear to meet and greet guests.

The following highlights Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s newest introductions:

  • World-renowned filmmaker, Steven Spielberg headlined the grand opening of Universal CityWalk’s multi-million dollar Universal Cinema renovation and shined the spotlight on the state-of-the-art venue as the place to “see movies where movies are made.” Featuring screening room quality theatres, deluxe recliner seats, next generation sight and sound achievements and a trendy Director’s Lounge cocktail bar, the all-new Universal Cinema redefines the movie-going experience, setting it apart as a category leader.

“As a filmmaker, we create movies that invite moviegoers to enter other worlds, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. In the best case scenario, the movie-going experience and its venue are on par with the movie that you came to enjoy. Universal Cinema defines advancement and technology with this incredible new movie theatre. I am happy to be here at Universal CityWalk to join the official opening of the Universal Cinema, where movie-goers have a rare opportunity to see movies at the very place where movies are made.”

—Steven Spielberg, filmmaker

  • Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band took center stage performing at the grand opening of Universal CityWalk Hollywood’s newest dining experience, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The first-ever Los Angeles-based location invites guests to escape the everyday and dine within a casual seaside retreat environment amid palm trees, thatched enclaves, island music and surfboard tables. The venue’s expansive 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar features such hand-crafted cocktails and signature margaritas as the Who’s to Blame® Margarita or the 5 O’Clock Somewhere boat drink while live music and entertainment complement the dining experience featuring such signature dishes as LandShark Lager Fish & Chips, Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya ®, Volcano Nachos or a Cheeseburger in Paradise ®.
  • Voodoo Doughnut casts a spell on Universal CityWalk Hollywood with its decadent and eclectic palate-pleasing pastry creations that range from Bacon Maple Bar and Oh Captain, My Captain to Grape Ape, Mango Tango and its signature Voodoo Doll doughnuts. This first-ever California location serves up delicious traditional and vegan out-of-this-world sweet and savory treats inspired by its hometown Portland, Oregon location.
  • Inspired by celebrated restaurant Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Liang, Dongpo Kitchen serves authentic Sichuan cuisine in the first-ever U.S. casual dining concept exclusive to Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Offering both indoor and al fresco dining, the CityWalk restaurant caters to Southern Californians and guests visiting from around the globe with a variety of tantalizing signature dishes, from Dongpo fried noodles, roasted duck salad, spicy chicken to specialty beverages such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.

Universal Studios Hollywood is The Entertainment Capital of L.A. and includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour. As a leading global entertainment destination, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers highly themed immersive lands that translate to real-life interpretations of iconic movie and television shows. Recent additions include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter TM” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and such critically-acclaimed rides as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” Universal Studios Hollywood’s first outdoor rollercoaster, as well the all-new “The Walking Dead” daytime attraction. Other immersive lands include “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land” as well as “Springfield,” hometown of America’s favorite TV family, located adjacent to the award-winning “The Simpsons RideTM”. The world-renowned Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s flagship attraction, inviting guests behind-the-scenes of the world’s biggest and busiest movie and television studio where they can also experience such authentic and immersive thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged.” The destination also features the Universal CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, including the Universal CityWalk Cinemas and the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue.

Volcano Bay opens at Universal Orlando Resort

May 25, 2017

The following is a press release from Universal Orlando Resort:

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort (Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort)

A revolutionary water theme park has risen at Universal Orlando Resort – Universal’s Volcano Bay is now open.

The park’s first guests gathered today inside the new water theme park to enjoy an authentic, South Pacific dedication ceremony commemorating the opening of Volcano Bay. The ceremony featured special performances by an array of authentic Maori entertainment, ranging from water dancers to “Haka” war dancers. The moment culminated with an eruption from the mighty 200 ft. Krakatau volcano – the park’s stunning icon.

Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s third theme park and the next chapter in the award-winning vacation destination’s evolution.  Universal Orlando is part of the NBCUniversal Comcast family, which has invested significantly in the destination’s unprecedented growth.  In just seven years, 25 new experiences—entire themed areas, attractions, restaurants, and hotels have been added across the destination.  Universal Orlando now has 5,600 rooms across its five (soon to be six) on-site hotels.

Volcano Bay was brought to life by Universal Creative, the same team responsible for bringing so many other groundbreaking experiences to life within Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Volcano Bay is a next-level water theme park, combining spectacular storytelling and incredibly immersive guest experiences with innovative technology exclusively designed for Universal to give visitors a fun-filled, hassle-free experience with their friends and family.

Spanning 25 fully immersive acres and featuring something for everyone, Volcano Bay is unlike any other water park in world.  It offers an immersive environment filled with unbelievable detail and innovative technology to enhance fun and remove hassles. Volcano Bay features:

  • More than 30 experiences including 18 unique attractions such as a multi-directional wave pool with sandy beaches, a peaceful winding river, twisting multi-rider raft rides, speeding body slides that drop from the top of the volcano into the waters below and more.
  • The TapuTapu wearable – included with guest admission and specifically designed for use within Universal’s Volcano Bay. Features of TapuTapu include:
    • Virtual Line Access: TapuTapu allows guests to virtually wait in line for rides while enjoying other areas of the park. Their wearable will simply alert them when it’s time for their ride.
    • TapTu Play: Guests can enjoy many TapTu Play experiences throughout the park – like controlling streams of water spurting from whales in Tot Tiki Reef, shooting water cannons at guests snaking down Kopiko Wai Winding River, illuminating images in the volcano’s hidden caves and more.
    • TapTu Pay: Guests can make purchases throughout the entire park with their TapuTapu wearable, eliminating the need to carry cash, credit cards or a wallet throughout the park.
    • TapTu Snap/My Universal Photo Access:  Guests can take advantage of special interactive photo opportunities and selfie-spots throughout the park as well as photo opportunities on Volcano Bay’s attractions.  Their wearable will automatically link those photos to their account so that guests can view, share and purchase them at their convenience.
    • Locker Access: After renting their lockers, guests will be able to access them with a touch of their TapuTapu wearable.
  • Beautifully-themed dining locations featuring more than 60 delicious, South Pacific-inspired dishes – ranging from jerk mahi sandwiches to fresh island chicken salad to decadent chocolate pineapple upside down cake.

Orlando debuts new theme parks, attractions, resorts in 2017

May 23, 2017

The following is a press release from Visit Orlando:

Recently named AAA’s Top Destination for Memorial Day Travel, Orlando is unveiling some of the largest expansions in theme park history this week, from the enchanting alien world of Pandora to the island paradise of Volcano Bay. These historic openings are the culmination of a year filled with new offerings including phenomenal dining options and brand new resorts. It’s one of the most exciting times to be in Orlando, where all-new adventure, thrills and family fun await visitors looking for an unforgettable summer vacation.

Find more information, including exclusive insider tips, opening dates and the latest news on Orlando’s summer happenings, at VisitOrlando.com/blog.

NEW ATTRACTIONS: THEME PARKS AND MORE

  • Universal Orlando Resort: Volcano Bay, a brand new tropical island water park, will open May 25, 2017, featuring innovative, thrilling attractions and TapuTapu wearable technology for virtual queuing. The new ride, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, opened as well at Universal Studios Florida.
  • Walt Disney World Resort: Pandora – The World of AVATAR will open as a new land at Animal Kingdom on May 27, 2017, which is the largest expansion in the park’s history. Also at Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Light is an innovative experience combining live performances, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. “Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular, debuted at Magic Kingdom Park. Also new is Miss Adventure Falls, a family-style raft attraction, which opened at Typhoon Lagoon.
  • SeaWorld Orlando: SeaWorld’s first digitally-enhanced ride experience will open June 16 when the legendary Kraken roller coaster is transformed into a virtual reality (VR) roller coaster. Electric Ocean, a new end-of-day spectacle event, will take place June 17 – August 5. An all-new stadium show called Dolphin Days is now open, immersing guests into the world of the ocean’s most playful ambassadors.
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort: LEGO NINJAGO World, a new immersive land, is a training ground for future ninjas. LEGOLAND Beach Retreat is a new property with 83 single-story duplexes, a themed pool and sandy play area.
  • iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving opened a new facility next to WonderWorks on International Drive, which is equipped with two all-glass wind tunnels in an open single-story floor plan that allows I-Drive passersby to see skydivers in action.
  • Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is a brand new $30 million indoor go-kart facility on Universal Boulevard near the convention center, opening June 2017. The new facility will feature electronic go-karting, zip lines, bowling, racing simulators, a ‘sky bar,’ rock climbing, laser tag and a full-service restaurant.
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened Heroes and Legends, showcasing the heroism of America’s early space pioneers by inviting guests to vicariously experience the thrills and dangers of America’s earliest missions through high-tech elements and special effects.
  • Fun Spot America will debut a new wooden coaster this summer, dubbed the Mine Blower. The $6 million new ride will be 82 feet tall, run nearly 50 mph and include a barrel roll inversion, a rare element for a wooden coaster.
  • A brand new Multipurpose Soccer Stadium opened in a developing entertainment center a block away from the Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The 25,500-seat stadium serves as home to the Orlando City Lions soccer team.
  • Orlando became the new home of American tennis, when the United States Tennis Association (USTA) opened a campus in the Lake Nona area of Orlando. The 63-acre complex encompasses more than 100 courts (hard and clay) and a multi-use building with a pro shop, fitness center, locker rooms, cafeteria and players’ lounge.
USTA in Orlando, Florida
  • Main Event Entertainment at Pointe Orlando is a new dining and entertainment complex with more than 100 virtual and interactive games, state-of-the-art bowling and the first free-roam multi-player VR game in the U.S.

NEW DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Disney Springs: Two James Beard Foundation winners have joined the line-up of dining options at this newly-renovated entertainment complex: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen and Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera Cocina. The new Planet Hollywood Observatory features fare from Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, while Paddlefish offers contemporary, seafood-centric cuisine. The Polite Pig boasts a variety of wood-fired, smoked and grilled items as well as drinks on tap. Upscale steakhouse, STK Orlando also opened.

Ace Cafe Orlando, the first US outpost of the iconic London, England-based motor-diner opened May 19. An American roadside diner inspires the menu, with made-from-scratch comfort food, some British favorites and locally-sourced and green options, all at an affordable price point.

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican will join the dining offerings at I-Drive 360 this summer. The Texas-based restaurant chain will sit near the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, with a patio around the building for a view of the wheel. The Tex-Mex menu items will include a range of options, like honey chipotle salmon or cowboy queso.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is a new full-service restaurant at Universal CityWalk that offers unique takes on classic steak, seafood, pasta and more, plus an array of gourmet chocolates and desserts.

NEW ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Universal Orlando Resort: The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is the fifth onsite hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring 1,000 rooms and suites with a casual Caribbean theme, built around a lagoon and towering waterfall. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will also open two new towers by late May, featuring 400 additional guest rooms and suites.
  • Just five minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, the The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando will open 108 new rooms this June, completing its first phase. The resort offering two- and three-bedroom residential-style suites with full kitchens, washers & dryers and multiple bathrooms to provide all the comforts of home.
  • Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is opening a new resort recreational area in late-May. Adding to the resort’s current 15-acre recreational space, the new 23,000 square foot area will include 16 new pool-side cabanas, 400 more lounge chairs as well as an expanded kid’s pool area. The hotel is currently undergoing a $40 million expansion project, which will be complete by the fall.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will soon include new amenities. The accommodations formerly known as “The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge” have already assumed a new name – “Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge,” and a sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool area is scheduled for competition in summer 2017. Called Boulder Ridge Cove, it will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool in what appears to have been an abandoned rock quarry.

The Orlando Destination

Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando – Theme Park Capital of the WorldSM is the No. 1 family vacation destination and the most visited destination in the United States.  An unparalleled mix of unique experiences create cherished memories for visitors, including legendary theme parks from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, an array of world-class water parks, entertainment venues, an award-winning food scene, shopping, sports and nightlife. And, with 450 hotels, Orlando offers more lodging options than nearly any other destination in the world, from expansive resorts to uniquely themed hotels.

Legoland debuts The Lego Batman Movie Days in 2017

February 14, 2017

The Lego Batman Movie Days
(Photo courtesy of Merlin Entertainments)

“The LEGO Batman Movie,” from Warner Bros. Pictures and LEGO System A/S, LEGOLAND Parks and LEGOLAND Discovery Centers around the world will celebrate the Caped Crusader with an exclusive new event—The LEGO Batman Movie Days—taking place on select dates in 2017. The event, developed with The LEGO Group and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, will take place on select dates at LEGOLAND locations worldwide in early 2017. For a list of planned activities, attraction hours and ticket prices at each site, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

The Lego Batman Movie Days
(Photo courtesy of Merlin Entertainments)

The LEGO Batman Movie Days Schedule

LEGOLAND Parks

  • LEGOLAND California Resort (Carlsbad, Calif.): Feb. 18-19, 25-26
  • LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Winter Haven, Fla.): March 4-5, 11-12
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort (outside London): March 10-April 16
  • LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort (near Günzburg, Germany): Early April
  • LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort (Johor, Malaysia): Feb. 17-March 31

U.S. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dates

  • Arizona: Feb. 11-March 26
  • Atlanta: Feb. 18-19, 25-26
  • Boston: Weekends in March
  • Chicago: Feb. 18-20, 25-26
  • Dallas: Jan. 1-Mar 2
  • Kansas City: Feb. 18-26
  • Michigan: Feb. 18-20, 25-26
  • Philadelphia: June 24-25
  • Westchester (Yonkers, N.Y.): Feb. 10-19

International LEGOLAND Discovery Center Dates

  • Manchester (U.K.): Jan. 9-March 31
  • Toronto: Feb. 25-26, March 4-5
  • Berlin: Jan. 28-March 5
  • Oberhausen (Germany): Feb. 10-March 5
  • Istanbul: Jan. 1-March 31
  • Osaka: April 1-30
  • Tokyo: April 1-30
  • Shanghai: Feb. 10-March 5

Universal Orlando Resort announces opening date of Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

January 13, 2017

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon (Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando)

Universal Orlando Resort has announced that its ride Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon will officially grand open on April 6, 2017.

According to a Universal Orlando press release, the attraction will give guests the ultimate “Tonight Show” experience as they get up close and personal with the show’s most hilarious segments before taking off on a wild and action-packed race through New York City against “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon himself.

To celebrate the attraction’s Grand Opening, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” will take the show on the road with tapings from Universal Orlando Resort from April 3 through 6. Additional details on celebrity guests and how to become a part of the show audience will be released over time.

As they experience the attraction, guests will make their way through Studio 6B to board the world’s first-ever flying theater, which seats up to 72 audience members, for the race of a lifetime. They will speed through the streets of New York City and all the way to the moon and back, encountering iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building to everything in between.

“Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” will be the first attraction at Universal Studios Florida to feature an all-new Virtual Line experience, allowing guests to spend less time waiting in line and more time discovering even more incredible thrills throughout Universal Studios. The Virtual Line system is accessible via the Official Universal Orlando Resort App or at kiosks located outside the attraction entrance.

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